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4 Wheel Drive/SUVs/4runner Rear Suspension

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Expert: - 8/25/2005


Question
I just replaced the leaf springs in my 1988 4runner due to the rear end sagging significantly.  I also replace all 4 shocks with pro-comp es3000 shocks.  All were replaced with stock spec components (ie no extra lift or anything). Now the ride is super stiff.  I mean you get bounced around pretty good just going over small pot holes and the like.  Will the suspension soften up with use?

Jeff  

Answer
Jeff,

Every brand spring has it's own characteristics, such as being stiff, or soft.  The brand you purchased may be exceptionally stiff.  All springs will soften up some with use.  One thing that you might do, is to double check the air pressure in your tires.  Most people have a tendency to over inflate them, causing a rough ride.  The tire pressure will vary according to the weight of the vehicle, and the size of the tire.  

One trick to try is to draw a couple of lines across the tread of your tires with chalk.  Then drive the rig a few feet in a straight line, then check the lines.  If the line is worn off in the middle of the tread, you are running too much pressure.  If the line is worn on the sides of the tread, you are not running enough pressure.

Hope this helps a little.

Carl

4 Wheel Drive/SUVs

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Carl Brandt

Expertise

Will discuss suspensions, lifts, lockers along with tire suggestions. Trail ratings and possible requirements needed for specific type of trails. Safety equipment and what you should carry with you. Certified off-road instructor. I am not a mechanic, and 4-Wheeling is a hobby, so if I can't answer a technical question it is due to my mechanical knowledge being related to vehicles that I have owned, or have worked on. I do not have manuals on all vehicles.

Experience

40 plus years of 4 wheeling in a variety of vehicles. At the present time, my major off-road rig is a 94 Jeep Wrangler with a spring over and a 1 1/2" suspension lift. This gives me a total lift of 7" or so. I have lockers front and rear. I have removed the track bars, and sway bar for maximum articulation. I am running a stock 2.5 ltr 4 cylinder with a Jacobs ignition along with a cold air high flow filter. It has 4.56:1 gears with a Dodge NV4500 transmission along with a 3.8:1 Atlas II transfer case. This gives me a final ratio of 105:1 in low gear/low range. Other vehicles I own, are a 96 Ford F-250 with a 6" lift, posi rear end, 36" Hummer tires, 5 speed with a fuel injected 460 ci engine, an 87 Samurai with an 8" lift, Ford 9" rear end with a spool, Chevy Dana 44 front end with an electric locker, 5.88 gears, 16% reduction in high range and a 6.5:1 low range with 35" Baja Claws, and a stock 2003 Grand Cherokee Overland. Trails I have run are the Rubicon (10 times), Dusey Ershim, Fordyce Creek trail, McGrew trail, several trails in Moab, Utah along with local monthly runs.

Organizations
Lost Coast 4x4's Cal 4-Wheel Corva UFWDA Blue Ribbon Coalition

Education/Credentials
Certified off-road instructor - Certificates in engineering/electronics

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